SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan and Joshua debut JxJ with DREAMSCAPE, a mini album blending dreams and reality, and share their hopes for fans.

SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan and Joshua’s new unit JxJ released their first mini album, “DREAMSCAPE,” at 6 p.m. today (the 19th). Moving back and forth between dreams in fantasy that arise while sleeping and dreams they want to achieve in reality, they lead listeners into sensory ecstasy. The title track, “12 o'clock,” is a dance-rock song that depicts JxJ chasing the object of their dreams while moving back and forth between 12 noon and 12 midnight. With a sound that modernly reinterprets 1970s–80s disco funk, the two members’ relaxed and mature vocals are added, creating a strong addictive quality. JxJ, who break down the boundary between dream and dream and open up a new dreamscape (dream realm), conducted a Q&A through their agency. — Please tell us how you feel about the release of your first mini album, “DREAMSCAPE.” Jeonghan: The biggest feeling is pride. Since this is an album being released after a long time, I prepared it while thinking about what kind of newness I could show CARATs (the fans’ name). Since this is my first album activity after returning, I am a little nervous, but more than that, I want to meet the fans as soon as possible. Joshua: I’m very excited and looking forward to being able to show a side of us that is different from when we are active as a group. In the process of preparing the album, new passion and dreams were born. It was a time that gave me good stimulation as a person as well. — Please tell us the listening point of the title track “12 o'clock.” Joshua: If you watch the stage, I think it becomes an even better song. We are preparing choreography that clearly shows our visuals and chemistry with each other. With “12 o'clock,” we want to deliver exciting and fun energy to everyone. Jeonghan: From the band song at the beginning until now, I have watched the process of the song being completed together. That is why I am deeply attached to it. I played it for the members in advance, and everyone said it was very good and cheered us on, saying it suits us well. — What part did you pay the most attention to while preparing the album? Jeonghan: Since there have been many units shown as SEVENTEEN, I think we paid the most attention to showing a differentiated side unique to JxJ. Joshua and I put our heads together and worried about what concept and what genre we should choose, and we prepared the album while having many conversations with the staff as well. Joshua: Yes. We placed importance on expressing our own color, different from other units. I also participated earnestly in the production process. Not all of the songs I worked on were included, but I’m happy that music I am satisfied with was included. — Is there a way to enjoy “DREAMSCAPE” more fully? Jeonghan: We prepared it hoping that the seven tracks would feel like one story. If you interpret on your own what each song means and look for the hidden metaphors one by one, I think you can enjoy the album more richly. Joshua: Since this is an album containing a story where the dreams seen while sleeping and the dreams one wants to achieve in reality meet, there are elements throughout that make fantasy and reality fit together. I hope you will pay close attention to that. If you listen from the first track to the last track in order, I would be happy if you think you went on a dream journey with us! — You are both members of SEVENTEEN’s VOCAL TEAM; please tell us if there was anything new you challenged yourselves with as vocalists. Jeonghan: First of all, what stands out is that I tried using a thicker tone than usual. Because I want to keep showing that I will continue to grow, I think I made various attempts for each song. Joshua: I also recorded while studying myself in order to create a slightly more mature and different atmosphere than usual. If you actually listen to the album, I think you will understand (laughs). Please listen a lot! — What strengths did you feel in each other while preparing the album? Jeonghan: Joshua is a wonderful friend who tries to grow while finding his own musical color. Since we joined as trainees around the same time, I think we became a relationship where we rely on each other even more and give each other strength. When things are hard or when we have worries, we also confide in each other. Joshua: I also felt Jeonghan’s love a lot while preparing the album (laughs). I think the teamwork we built over a long time is fully reflected in the album as well. Fans may not know this very well, but I think they will be able to encounter our natural selves. — Please say a word to the CARATs who have been waiting for the album. Jeonghan: It’s been a long time since our comeback. As much as CARATs are looking forward to it, my heart is also racing and I’m excited. We prepared with a lot of effort and heart so that we could show you a good side of us, so please warmly watch over this activity. Hani! Joshua: This is an album we worked hard on to express our new side, so I’m curious how CARATs will feel after listening to it. Thank you always for supporting us. We also have performances coming up, so please continue to support us. I love you.